Amid the constant shortages and discomforts of Soviet life, one of its good things has always been a crusty loaf of nutty Russian bread. Comforting to stomach and soul, bread is a mainstay of the masses' daily existence. For that reason, Moscow for almost 30 years has held the price of the average loaf at a heavily subsidized 23 kopecks -- about 40 cents.
When the government suggested tripling the price of bread from July 1 as a start on dismantling the vast subsidy system, nationwide fury was the completely predictable result. Last week legislators in the Supreme Soviet voted 319...